Chapter 194: Everyone Wants a Piece

Rachel reached up to rub her left arm, where Thalia’s wolf-tooth tattoo itched; the half-Hell Hound’s mark was seared into her very soul, which was par for the course when making a contract with a Marchioness of Hell. Yet, there was something unique about it that she was only now realizing.

When I earned their respect and made that contract, somehow, I thwarted one of Fate’s designs. Does that mean Nike’s involvement was in Fate’s plan, as well as Dionysus’? Too much to consider... Hey, at least [Blessed Lunar Grace] can rank up passively, like [Strategic Mind]’s constant use;whenever I’m graceful, it adds to its growth... When am I graceful? I should pay more attention when my Feats’ Ranks rise. Maybe I just don’t see it in myself, but hey, I shaved off a second for a single charge to restore. Nice.

Glancing at her Limit Break and Achievement Feats for a moment, she swiped the menu away. There had to be a way for her to turn [Curse: Karma] and its Limit Break [Retribution] into a more usable state, but that was for another time as Nia’s ears perked up.

"Major, Jeanne is saying they’re done, which means I still have an hour or so to myself before turning into a kit?"

"Done already, eh? At least I still have 18% of my Lunar Pool left... yay." Arching her back and twisting to feel the spiritual burn, Rachel shot one last look at the sleeping 5th-dimensional being, snoozing in bed. "I bet Scarlet will be thrilled to hang, and she won’t feel so left out going to the late-night shopping district with you while I’m working things out with Anthony and my mom. Get us something good for the funeral. I’ll give you my mom’s card."

"Roger that," Nia chirped with a salute, more than ready to do something besides twiddle her thumbs. "By the way, I think I’ve discovered an interesting dynamic to my inventory slot situation—a way to get more."

"Oh? What kind of interesting dynamic are we talking about?" Rachel asked, lifting an eyebrow and glancing back at the room. "We’ve got a few outfit slots left, last I checked, but if we could expand it, then my mom might go crazy. Most of those random outfits Little Nia has are internal illusions, right? Things she wants to have someday?"

"Half and half at this point; your mom has been generous, which was why we were running out of slots," the older bun said with a fond smile. "However, I did some reorganization for my younger self and created some new wardrobes for a few of her imaginary items... and I got a slot out of nowhere."

"Fascinating," Rachel hummed, ears tilting to the left as the bun displayed her craftsmanship, which was actually fairly cute with its carved images of Nia’s hand drawings impressed into the wood. "Our souls are elastic, or so I’ve gathered so far, so by working on them in unique ways, we might be able to push them a little further. Anyway, I look forward to seeing how many more slots you’re able to make by redecorating and expanding your space."

"I enjoy interior design," Nia said, looking around the area with an eye that saw potential. The look soon faded when the bun returned to Rachel’s earlier request. "As for giving your mother’s card, might I suggest giving it to Scarlet instead, since I wouldn’t trust my younger side with it."

Rachel snickered. "Fair point. Also, let her get something, though; if we have a few slots left, use some for both of us, since we can share clothes, and one for Captain Little Bun."

Nia showed a forced smile. "You have no idea how tickled it makes my younger self to have my own section of small outfits all to myself... It makes me feel special. If only I weren’t so messy; I had to clean up all of her outfits across the whole room."

"At least you clean up after yourself," Rachel mused with a wink. "It’s fun hearing you talk about yourself as a totally different person."

"Oh, that’s a low blow, Hops. Somehow, my kit side is so undisciplined," Nia chuckled as they left their internal world, using the term for ’baby rabbits’ that she’d learned online. "I’ve had my eye on winter wear for fashion more than warmth, by the way."

Rachel’s eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim room as she worked out her stiff muscles; the needle and tube had been removed, and a bright pink band-aid with a smiley face met her. "Adorable."

"I thought you might think so," Jeanne returned with an impish grin.

Arthur stood on the opposite side of the bed, hand resting on Galahad’s shoulder with a look of relief that made the handsome blond appear five years younger. "I appreciate you working through the discomfort, Rachel... You didn’t have to do this; I owe you."

Standing up as Nia twinkled into existence beside her, Rachel studied the resting young man as the doctor jumped. All of the signs of Yomi’s pollutants were gone, and his weary spirit seemed to have relaxed now that the internal war was over.

"I’ll be sure to collect on it," she returned, scooting around the doctor for the door. "Jeanne, you can update me on the details on the road. I’ve got somewhere to be— Actually," she paused, making the blue-eyed woman blink as Rachel made an obvious show of looking her up and down. "...You seem to like fashion... I guess you are French, but why not hang with Nia and Scarlet until we retire for bed?"

Nia turned a critical eye to the blonde, who held her hands at her front and nodded. "I’d be happy to tag along. I don’t have a funeral outfit in any case— That is where we will be going later this evening, correct?"

Giving Arthur a casual wave goodbye, Rachel opened the door with the two women behind her, guards jumping into motion to guide them to the elevator.

"That’s the plan, and I’d remain on your guard... I expect something to happen."

The blond man’s gaze lifted. "Careful, Rachel. Merlin informed me that the Scarlet Hand is regrouping and on the move again. You shook up their initial plans and exposed them, but they have influence around the world."

"I figured as much," Rachel said, giving him a two-fingered salute and chuckle. "Tell Merlin not to cause more trouble for me to clean up."

Jeanne’s and Nia’s attitudes sobered as they rose out of the black site and entered Arthur’s vehicle; well, a US government vehicle. A Secret Service agent seemed to have taken over from their previous driver and took them back to the Blair House.

On the way, Rachel texted her mother and Anthony that she’d be back shortly and sent a message to Scarlet that she’d be busy until bedtime; she sighed when she got the girl’s response.

12:23 a.m. Little Fang - No, that’s totally okay! I know you’re always super busy. Everyone wants a piece of your tail, I swear! Lol. I’d be happy to hang out with the freaking Legend of Jeanne d’Arc and Big Nia! Thanks for letting me know.